While travelling through Central Asia on our Heart of the Silk Road journey, our group with Elaine has now reached Tajikistan, the smallest of the five Stans, and perhaps the one that surprised us the most.
Tour leader Elaine Kelly sent this update from the road:
“The kindness and generosity of the people astounded us.
From Kohjund in the north we travelled along hair pin roads through the snow-capped fan mountains to reach the green modern capital city Deshanbe.
There were no other tourists so people stopped us to find out where we were from, to thank us for coming and even invited us into their homes.”
The group began in Khujand in the north before travelling south through the dramatic landscapes of the Fan Mountains. The road winds through high passes and hairpin bends, with snow-capped peaks rising above deep valleys. After days among the mountains they arrived in Dushanbe, the country’s modern and unexpectedly green capital.
It is these small moments of connection that often become the most memorable parts of a journey.
Elaine also shared a few fascinating insights about Tajikistan:
A few Tajikistan facts from the road
- Tajik translates to “crown.”
- More than 90% of the country is mountainous, making it one of the most dramatic landscapes in Central Asia.
- Tajikistan holds the largest amount of water in Central Asia and is home to the Rogun Dam, the tallest dam in the world.
- Weddings are tightly regulated — no more than 150 guests and no longer than three hours.
- A traditional greeting involves placing your right hand on your heart and nodding slightly.
- The main vegetarian local dish is Kurutob — a mix of bread, yoghurt, herbs and tomatoes.
- And an unexpected modern detail: all taxis are electric.
For many travellers Tajikistan is the least known of the five Stans. Yet for our group, it has already become one of the most memorable.
Sometimes the places we know the least about are the ones that leave the strongest impression.
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